Basketball is one of the most popular sports in Israel, with a passionate fan base and a strong community presence
Israeli basketball has a rich history and a significant impact both domestically and internationally. Basketball is one of the most popular sports in Israel, with a passionate fan base and a strong community presence. The sport plays a significant role in Israeli culture and has a unifying effect, bringing together people from diverse backgrounds. Israeli basketball continues to thrive and make an impact on the global stage, showcasing the country’s talent and passion for the game.
The top professional basketball league in Israel is the Israeli Basketball Premier League (Ligat HaAl). Founded in 1954, it has grown to become one of the most competitive leagues in Europe. The league features teams from across the country and has been a launching pad for many Israeli and international players. Israeli teams regularly compete in European competitions such as the EuroLeague, EuroCup, and the Basketball Champions League. Maccabi Tel Aviv’s success in the EuroLeague has significantly raised the profile of Israeli basketball internationally.
Israel has invested heavily in basketball infrastructure and youth development programs. The country has numerous basketball academies and training centers that focus on nurturing young talent. These programs have produced players who have gone on to play in top European leagues and the NBA.
The most successful and well-known Israeli basketball team, Maccabi Tel Aviv has dominated the domestic league and has been a formidable force in European competitions. The team has won numerous Israeli championships and has been crowned EuroLeague champions several times, with their first title in 1977 and their most recent in 2014.
Israeli basketball continues to thrive and make an impact on the global stage
Another prominent team, Hapoel Jerusalem, has also enjoyed success both domestically and in European competitions. The team has won several Israeli championships and the Basketball Champions League.
Home games in Belgrade
Due to ongoing security concerns stemming from the Israel-Hamas conflict, Israeli basketball clubs have relocated some of their home games to Belgrade, Serbia.
Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv, a prominent team in the EuroLeague, will play its home games at the Aleksandar Nikolić Hall in Belgrade. This decision was made to ensure the safety of players, staff, and fans. Maccabi’s first home game in Belgrade is scheduled played on November 9, 2023 against FC Bayern Munich. Later, Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv, hosted some of its home EuroLeague games at the Belgrade Arena. So far, The Tel Aviv team played 15 of their home EuroLeague games there this season.
Similarly, Hapoel Jerusalem will also play its home games in Belgrade. All three of Hapoel’s home games in Group G of the Basketball Champions League took place in Pionir Hall, started with their match against Galatasaray on November 1.
The relocation of these games highlights the collaborative efforts between Israeli basketball clubs and the Serbian government and Belgrade city administration to ensure the continuity of the sports seasons amidst challenging circumstances.